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Parting Shots

By Wm. R. Lowry
Editor & Publisher, MiBiz
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note-able quotes

“Our culture is broken in this state. We’ve been beaten up for too many years. We’ve become too negative ... we’ve gotten caught up too much in a win-lose attitude. It is time for us to stand up as Michiganders and say here is a vision for the future, here is a plan, here is an attitude of action in a positive, forward-looking inclusive fashion. And by doing that, we will create more and better jobs, we will keep our young people here and will be a great state again.”

— Governor-elect Rick Snyder

“Hunting for large firms and bringing them to Michigan will continue to be an important part of our economic development toolkit. However, we have been working on economic gardening for nearly two years and believe it is a game-changing strategy for growing and sustaining our economy and creating jobs. Governor-elect Snyder is uniquely well equipped to implement this strategy, and we look forward to assisting the new administration in this effort.”

— Rob Fowler, President,
Small Business Assn. of Michigan

unity label

The next governor of the great state of Michigan has before him a daunting challenge that most citizens agree is better suited for a miracleman than a mere businessman.

Acknowledging the magnitude of his assignment, and appreciating the sheer necessity of galvanizing the population’s commonality, Rick Snyder’s first words as governor-elect admonished all 10 million anxious Michiganders to “drop the labels” of party, ideology and geography, and insisted, “There is only one label that matters and that label is Michigander.”

With the livelihoods and dreams of young and old alike squarely on the line, it should seem logical that it is in all our best interests to unite — in spirit, at least — and do our part to turn this state around.

An election like the one we’ve just experienced can indeed provide a psychological spark to reenergize people preoccupied with and seemingly trapped in an ongoing struggle. A fresh start, inspired by a fresh leader with some fresh ideas, can indeed be refreshing.

That said, the prospect of dropping one’s insular bias of party affiliation, ideology and/or geographic orientation is itself a tall order for most. But hey, most Spartan fans I know cheer for the Maize & Blue every fall Saturday save one. The reverse, I’m told, is true as well. If football fanatics can unite in support when our rival teams take on the outside world, why cannot all Michiganders unite in the more important battles of getting our economic house in order and creating an environment that encourages and nurtures business growth and job creation?

Time for all to don the Unity Label.

muster luster

Soon to be gubernatorial veteran Jennifer Granholm is finishing her eight-year hitch in the governor’s chair with a flurry.

The timing of last minute treks to Sweden and Korea to plead Michigan’s case to corporate investors may strike some as too little, too late. Yet I tip my hat to the governor for her steadfast intention to “go anywhere, anytime” to attract jobs to the state. History will judge her contributions to the state and whether her policies contributed to Michigan’s economic crisis or her efforts instead were thwarted by it. Let’s just agree today that it’s best to now turn a new page and forge ahead.

I do want to thank Granholm for proclaiming November “Hire a Veteran Month” in Michigan to promote the hiring of qualified veterans seeking employment and reaffirm the reemployment rights of returning veterans.

Michigan is home to more than 750,000 veterans who have been honorably discharged. Each month, more than 500 Michigan military personnel are separated from active service and join the ranks of veterans. The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth  works with all Michigan Works! agencies and a dedicated network of service providers to help veterans find jobs. Can you help?

As father of an active duty soldier who turns vet upon his return from Iraq, I doubly appreciate those who hire vets.

note-able quote

“There is only one label that matters and that label is Michigander.”

— Governor-elect Rick Snyder

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